Xiamen, May 29, 2025 – The Europe Today: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Kiribati’s President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau co-chaired the Third China–Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Wednesday in Xiamen, Fujian Province, marking a significant milestone in deepening multilateral cooperation between China and the Pacific Island nations.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pacific Island countries. He reaffirmed China’s enduring view of these nations as good friends, partners, and brothers.
Under the strategic guidance of their respective leaders, Wang noted, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the Pacific Island countries has gained new vitality, produced tangible achievements, and reached unprecedented levels of cooperation.
In his keynote address, Wang proposed a six-point framework to build a China–Pacific Island countries community with a shared future. This includes:
- Upholding mutual respect,
- Prioritizing development cooperation,
- Maintaining people-centered governance,
- Promoting exchange and mutual learning,
- Safeguarding equity and justice, and
- Maintaining solidarity during global challenges.
He underscored that amid profound changes in the world, peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit remain the only correct path forward.
Foreign ministers from the Pacific Island countries expressed deep appreciation for China’s long-standing support and reiterated that their cooperation with Beijing is based on mutual respect, trust, understanding, and sovereign equality. They emphasized that such collaboration aligns with their national interests and contributes meaningfully to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
All Pacific Island representatives unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle and expressed eagerness to expand cooperation with China in areas such as infrastructure, climate change, and green development. They also voiced strong support for jointly advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and working together to build a peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous Pacific region.
Following extensive discussions on international and regional matters of mutual concern, the meeting concluded with five key points of consensus:
- Equality and Sovereignty:
Both parties reiterated the principle of treating all countries as equals, regardless of size. China expressed appreciation for the reaffirmation of the one-China principle and the Pacific Island countries’ understanding and support for China’s legitimate efforts to uphold national sovereignty and territorial integrity. - Shared Development:
The two sides agreed to align the Belt and Road Initiative with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. China pledged to facilitate greater access for Pacific Island countries to its vast domestic market by supporting the export of high-quality products. - Fairness and Multilateralism:
In the context of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the United Nations, both sides pledged to jointly uphold multilateralism and defend the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries within the global order. - Openness and Autonomy:
The international community, it was emphasized, must respect the autonomy of Pacific Island countries in selecting their development partners. Climate change, economic growth, and livelihood improvement were identified as priority areas for future engagement. - Civilizational Exchange:
Recognizing the rich heritage of Chinese and Pacific Island civilizations, the meeting called for enhanced cultural, educational, and media exchanges. Both parties committed to advancing the Global Civilization Initiative and fostering civilizational progress through mutual learning.
The meeting reinforced the shared aspiration of China and the Pacific Island countries to build a stronger, more resilient partnership grounded in mutual respect, development cooperation, and shared values—aimed at promoting lasting peace, prosperity, and sustainability in the Pacific and beyond.
